
PS 1064 ^ ^ ^ 

.86 G3 

1836 GAULAMTUS, 

Copy 1 B 



XTATHAMZHX. H. BAKWXSTBB 



ACTHOR or 



'CAIUS SILIUS,' 'MARRIAGE CONTRACT,' ETC. ETC. 



CINCINNATI. 



1836* 



GAULANTUS, 



^ 'sPia.^c&iiiD'S'g ass i?awi§ ^o^i?©. 



BY 



NATHANIEL H. BANNISTER, 



AUTHOR or 



'Cat«« Siliua,' Marriage Contract,' Etc. Et«. 



Cincinnati: 
published by flash, ryder and co, 

D. Murphy, Printer. 

1836. 



:pK^ 



TO CHARLES BOOTH PARSONS, ESQ. 



This tragedy is respectfully dedicated, by 



THE AUTHOR. 






PREFACE. 

No one will doubt the right which every 
one has to discuss the excellence and defects 
of all public men; to compare their talents 
with each other, and fairly to express opinions 
on their respective merits. The author, the 
advocate, the statesman, the preacher, and the 
judge, are subjects of constant and minute 
criticism. How Mr. A or B argued, how 
Mr. C or D played, how Mr. E or F preach- 
ed, are the common conversation; and though 
there may be much bad criticism and many 
erroneous opinions given, yet on the whole, 
the disposition of the public to discuss such 
subjects has many beneficial advantages. It 
certainly enlightens the public and stimulates 
professional men. If persons in the graver 
walks of life are spoken of with such free- 
dom, those whose profession it is to amuse, 
delight and inform us, must expect that the 
public wmH discuss their merits and defects 
with greater freedom. 

'Gaulantus,' written by Mr. Bannister, 
favorably known in the south both as an au- 
thor and as an actor, was lately produced for 



4 PREFACE. 

the first time in Cincinnati. Gaulantus, the 
hero of this tragedy, was represented by Mr. 
C. B. Parsons, and in a manner that must 
have been gratifying to the young author: 
the grace, dignity and happy variety of his 
action, appeared w^ell suited to the character 
of Gaulantus. Baranicus, the brother, found 
a good representation in Mr. Bannister, — 
Ukewise Leonida by Mrs. Bannister. In 
short all the company exerted themselves and 
played with spirit and animation. The sub- 
ject is a good one; it is one regular and uni- 
form story, not charged with a great variety 
of incidents, and yet affording several revolu- 
tions of fortune, by which the powers may 
be exerted, varied and driven to their full 
tumult of emotion: for instance, where Gau- 
lantus describes to his brother finding his 
child burnt. 

The deep expression of despair which 
Mr. Parsons executed, his sudden burst of 
joy when he exclaims, 

'Still am I free, 
No master but the Gods!' 

was masterly to a high degree, and called 
from the audience a simultaneous burst of 
approbation. 



DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 





GAUIiS. 


Gaulantus, 


- C. B. Parsons. 


Baranicus, 


Bannister 


Alibdus, 


- . Smith. 


Remancus, 


Vancamp. 




ROMANS. 


Carraitus, 


Johnson. 


Manilas, 


Hunt. 


Cestus, 


Newton. 


Regantus, 


Jewell. 


Arbinius, 


Rogers. 


Laticus, 


Fontaine. 




Soldiers, Guards, «fcc. 


Leonida, 


Mrs. Bannister. 


Scene. 


, — The Frontiers of Italy. 



GAULANTUS. 



ACT I. 

SCENE I. — Roman Camp. Tents on each 
side, and one in centre. 

Enter from centre, Carmitus a7id Cestus. 

Car, Hail, gloriou* light! 
That frooi the wood-clad hill and dale. 
Chases night's breeding vapor. 
Once more victorious we pitch our tents: 
The barbarous Gauls have fled for refuge 
To the mountain's caves, nor 
Dare approach our camp. 
• Ces. The havoc was indeed moat great; 
Fiercely they fought, and madly rushed 
Upon our soldiers' spears. But, 
At tlieir leader's fall, despair was marked 
On every face, and many 
On their own swords died. 

Car. They are a hardy warlike race. 
But discipline have none. 
At the tirst onset, their routed ranks 
Were scattered o'er the plain; while 
Rome advanced in one united tide. 
Slow and o'erwhelming. And, 



8 GAULANTUS. [aCT I. 

Like the mighty ocean's swell, 
Encompassed all it met. 

{Enter Manilus.) 

Man. Good morrow, worthy friends, 
The sun's red beams do cheerly on us shine, 
And heralds forth the victory of Rome. 

Car. True; that rude disturber, fear. 
Has fled our soldiers' hearts, 
And sleep alone doth o'er them reign. 

Man. Goest thou for Rome to-day, Carmitus? 

Car. No. My messenger's return from thence, 
I purpose here to wait. 

Man. Doth he despatches of our triumph bear? 

Car. He does. Cestus, see that the captives 
ta'en 
Are quick made fast in chains; 
And give directions to an hundred men 
To march them into Rome. 

Ces. It shall be done. 

Car. And bring with thee the female slave 
But now lodged in my tent. 

[Exit Cestus.) 

Man. Why not the captives station here 
Till we ourselves do march? 

Car. They will but prove a burden, and 
impede our way; 
Lead to the grove the heavy-armed troops, 
And bid them dof^ their armor. 



SCENE 1.] GAULANTDS. 9 

This day to rest and sport 

Let all devote; but first let those proud Gauls 

Who braved me with their scorn, 

Be put to instant death! 

Man. To death! 

Car. Aye, to death. 

Man. Nay, they are our captives. Their death 
Will bring a stain upon our noble name. 
For Rome, so proudly famed throughout the 

world 
For love of freedom, should not mercy lack. 

Car. I care not. Upon their deaths 
I have resolved, and that thou 
Seest it done. 

Man. If you are fixed, I must obey. 

(-£a:i7MANiLus.) 

Car. Ha, ha, ha, dame Nature by mistake. 
Or in some merry mood, this whiner 
Formed a man, when she designed 
A. woman. I hate these mercy-talking 
Babblers, 

{Re-enter Cestus with Leonida.) 
Ha, by the Gods! a captive of some value. 
Cestus, withdraw. Fair maid. 
Why droop'st thy head? 

[Exit Cestus.) 
Leon. I am in bondage. 
Car. Is that the only cause? 



10 OAULAN'?US. [aCTI. 

Leon. No. (Sighing.) 

Car, What dost tivcMi sigli for? 

Leon. Death! 

Car. Thou art young in years. 

Leon. But old in wretchedness. 
Swift as the hurricane, the naountain of its trees 

divests, 
Wild war's rude blast has from me 
Kinsmen torn. The world 
To me is now a gloomy blank, and 
Sorrow in my heart triumphant reigns. 

Car. Weep not, for I 
To thee will prove a friend. 

Leon. Thou wilt? Then stop the crimson 
stream 
That nurtures this sad heart. 
My being end at once, and free me 
From the world's cold, dark oppressions. 
Strike, Roman! fear I not. A 
Warrior's wife a warrior's heart doth bear. 

Car. Thou art heroic. Hast thou nought to 
fear? 
Hath death no terrors?— Wouldst not longer live? 
The world is bright and beautiful. 
Thou wouldst not die so soon? 
Leon. I would. The joys of life have from me 

ever fled, 
Sad heritor am I of keenest misery. 



SCflJliE I.] GAULANtrs. 11 

Car. Thou art a wife 

Leon. I was; but am a widow now. 
I was a mother, too, but now 
My boy is dead. 

Car. Art sure thy husbahd fell? 

Leon. He would not live a slave! 
He was a Gaul! Art now convinced 
He could not live in chains? 

Car. If he in battle fell, then died he nobly; 
For 'twas by Roman hands. Yet thou 
Shouldst not despair. A happy 
Home for thee is here, as that thou 
Late hast left. Guards, ho! 

{Enter Guards.) 
Bear this woman to the tent next mine. 

Leon. What dost thou purpose? 

Car. Thou' It know anon. 

Leon. What matters it to me? Lead where 
you will, 
My soul without a pang or sigh, can 
Dire affliction meet. Shade of my buried lord, 
Watch o'er thy wretched wife. And 
If thou sit'st among the Gods, send 
Some winged angel down to waft me 
To thine arms — there to enjoy sweet peace. 
Which fate denies me het«. 

{Exit with guards.) 

Car. A very godess! I am in love already. 



12 GAULANTUS. [jlCT I. 

She goes not hence, but shall 
With me remain. Her woes have 
Full possession of her heart, but time 
Will heal the wounds. The rapid tide 
Of her unbounded grief, will 
Eke its courses out. 

( Trumpet.) 
Hark! the trumpet sounds 
The knell of Gaellic death; .FU forth 
And see the miscreants die. 

{Exit.) 

SCENE H. — Another part of the Roman Camp. 
Enter Arbinius and Manihts. 

Man. If what thou say'st be true, 
Our fighting is not done. Of 
Nature stubborn, and to warfare used, 
These Gauls will press us hard. 

Arhin. At early dawn they ranged behind the 
hill. 
Nor ventured to the plain. Some 
Stragglers ta'en, declared that they 
Had been our camp o'erlooking. 

Man. I thought scarce one survived 
The battle's desperate shock. A 
Dozen fields wide deluged with their blood, 
Yet they an army boast! 

Jirbin. Aye, of much number, too; yet 



SCENE HI.] GAULANTUS, 13 

They are wide dispersed, and so 
By famine worn, that we 
Have nought to fear. 

Man. 'Tis Avell; for when in power 
Their brutal fury sex nor age doth spare. 
Thou goest to-day for Rome— I'd have 
Thee call upon my wife, and say — 
But stay, I'll give thee letters. 

{Enter Cestus.) 

Ces. Good Manilus, our general waits your 
presence. 
Arbinius, the captives, chained, await 
Thy coming to begin their march. 

Man. Let's to the spot; the surest armor 
For a soldier's heart, is 
Prompt alacrity. Come on! 

{£xeiint.) 

SCENE \\\.^—^ mountainous country . Rocks 
on each side; a cave in centre. Thunder 
and lightning. Gaulantus comes from, 
cave; his arms, legs and shoulders bare. 

Gaul. The night is gloomy as my soul. 

My bosom and the sky do well accord, 

For both are fraught with tempests! 

Despair! my blood is curdled by thy cold dark 

hand. 

But yet thou shalt not triumph! 
2 



14 GAULANXUS. [act I. 

Methought just now, as in my cave I sat. 

My wife, as fresh as in her virgin spring. 

Did pass, and in mine ear, 

With accents sweet, soft whisper'd me to hope. 

'Twas but some vision of the brain, that 

Painted, while I slept, my heart's 

Dear waking wish. Or else 

Some fiend her shape and form assuming, 

To mock my aching eyes! 

All is still; a deeper gloom 

Ne'er covered earth; in dark descending clouds 

The tempests of night are hid, and 

Not a ray of light doth break upon me 

{Thunder.) 
Save the blue lightning's angry flash. 

[Storm.) 
Biirst louder forth, dread trumpet 
Of the sky! Descend to earth full charged. 
To hurl destruction on these Roman dogs! 

(Retires.) 
[Enter Regantus.) 

Reg. The Gods be thanked, I've reached at last 
A shelter. Nor can I be 
Far from the Roman camp. 
A dangerous pursuit, and I alone 
The savage fury of the Gauls escaped. 

Gaul, {seeing Aim.) Who art thou? 



SCENE 111.3 GAULATiTUS. 15 

Reg. A Roman! 

Gaul. Ah! then thy doom is death. 

Reg. What dost thou mean? 

Gaul. What I have said. 

Reg. Art thou a Roman? 

Gaul. No! I thank the Gods! 
I am a Gaul; one of that free-born race 
Your coward numbers crush'd. 
Their fall was noble — for 
Your nation's millions kissed the goary earth, 
Ere Gallia was subdued. I hate 
The very name of Rome: be thou 
Prepared to die. {Draws sword.) 

Reg. I will not tamely yield. 

(Regantus draws his sword and rushes at 
Gaulantus, who, with a blow, disarms 
him. JtEGA^rvs falls upon his knees.) 
Mercy! mercy! 

Gaul. The smallest spark dwells not within 
my breast; 
My heart is rock beyond thy power to melt; 
Thou owest it to thy country. 
Where is my wife— my father — 
Brother — child? Slain by base Roman hands, 
And their red blood cries out to heaven, 
Revenge! (Seizes him.) 

Reg. Horror! spare me! — 
Gaid. Thou miffht'st as well command 



16 GAULANTUS. (^ACT I. 

The lonely tree, that stands 
Defenceless on yon rocky steep, 
To stop the roaring blast, and 
Drive it back to heaven, as 
Hope for mercy from my uplifted arm! 
Reg. Save me for my wife and child. 

(Gaulantus staggers back.) 

Gaul. Hast thou a wife? — Art thou 
A father too? — 

Reg. I am, I am: O spare me for their sakes. 
The Gods will see and bless the deed. 

Gaul. Fly hence — ^begone! 
Thy wife and child desert not; 
Mine, mine, O Gods! are 
Lost forever! 

Reg. Receive a father's thanks! thou 
Noble, generous man! 

Gaul. Liar! the hungry tiger driven wild. 
Is savage less than L Begone, 
Or thou shalt die this instant. 

[Exit Regantus.) 
He is a father, and a husband, too, 
I could not take his life, yet I 
By their accursed hands, 
Am 'reft of all I loved. Why 
Did I spare him? But, 'tis done; 
No matter, let him go. Ah, Gods! 
How many noble Gauls lie 



SCENE in.] OAULANTUS. 17 

On the earth in death! — their 
Bleaching bones the summer air 
Oflending. — While the damn'd foe 
Exulting o'er their fall, in hellish 
Orgies revel. Why 
Not at once this wretched being end?— 
What's left to live for?— The 
Cheering joys of life are fled, 
And sorrow brooding reigns. 
My little boy, in yonder cave, 
Sleeps in the arms of death. His 
Prattle Avhich so oft did please mine ear. 
Will never more be heard. 
His roseate cheek is yellowed by the tomb; 
The groveling worm on his sweet body feeds. 
Well, be it as it is. Thou fate inscrutable 
Hast made it so! 

My aged father, too, his country's 
Fate deploring, plunged headlong down 
From the Tarpean rock into the 
Deep abyss of death. And thou, 
My wife! — Back, memory back; 
To dark oblivion, and hide 
Forever there. Chide me no more. 
Nor haunt me, damning fancy! 
Thou maddening thought be still, 
Surmise not for the future, for 
That future shall be short on earth; 
2* 



18 GAULA.NTUS. [aCT I. 

Here, here, at once, I'll quench the light of life. 

[He draws his sword, and as he is about to 
strike, a vivid flash of lightning, followed 
by a terrific peal of thunder, strikes the rock 
above, v/hich falls with a crash.) 

Hal the Gods in thunder stop my hand. 

And warn me to desist. 

{Looks at sword.) 

By heaven thou reekest still with 

Roman blood; vengeance is written on thy blade, 

And the thunderer bids me forth. 

I will obey the mandate — I — and live 

Though it do prove my curse! 

Ye towering cliffs! be your proud heights 

My home! Hail, hail, my kingdom. 

Where Revenge hath built her seat, 

(Exit.) 

END OF ACT I. 



ACT II. 

SCENE I.— The Roman Camp. 
Enter Carmitus and Regantus. 

Car. He showed thee mercy?— Now, by the 
Gods, 
I thought it dwelt not in their savage hearts. 

Reg. Although a Gaul, he seemed of pity made. 
Force he defied, but when I 
Of my wife and children spoke, 
He melted like a girl. A noble Gaul; 
I could not do him harm. 

Car. Thou saw'st him in the mountain? 

Reg. Aye, — seeking a shelter from the storm, 
I was by him encountered. 

Car. In what direction doth 
This mountain lie? 

Reg. 'Tis south, a little bearing east, 

Car. Of leagues how many dost thou 
Think from here? 

Reg. A half a score or less, I cannot 
Strictly tell. 

Car. 'Twould please me well to see 
This mercy-loving man! Cestus! 
What, ho!— 

[Enter Cestus.) 

Ces. Your orders I await. 



20 GACLANTUS. [aCT II. 

Car. Take thou a cohort of our body guard, 
And lead them to the mountains — 
Some ten leagues from hence — thou'lt 
Find a single Gaul. Bring him 
Before me. Regantus will explain 
More as ye journey on. 

Beg. My general, I fain would be excused; 
The task I like not; 't would be 
A base return for mercy shown to me. 
Car. 'Tis my command! Away! — 
My bidding do; and leave the canting part 
To priests, and fools like him 
Who spared thy life. 

[Exit Regantus and Cestus.) 
{Enter Manilus) 
Man. My general, the captives 
Have their march commenced; 
I with them journeyed several leagues 
To see them fairly on. 

Car. 'Tis well. Hast thou my captive maid 
This morning seen? 

Man. I saw her as I passed the tent; 
Her eyes were red with weeping. 

Car. Misery-courting fool! 
Folly more weak mankind doth not possess, 
Than sighing after what they caimot have; 
The truely wise is with his lot content, 
Nor seeks a contrast that will make it worse. 



SCENE I.] GAULANTUS. 21 

The highest dames of Carthage would be proud 
To fill the place she scorns. But sorrow, 
Woe, or joy, she shall be mine. 

Man. She rather claims my pity 
For her fate. 

Car. And mine — so much so, 
That this day I'll to my purpose force her. 

Man. Nay, I beseech you, do not; 
Thy well-acquired fame should not be sullied, — 
Thy dear-bought honor bear so foul a stain. 
But let hei-, with the rest. 
Be sent to Rome, and share the fate 
The senate shall decree. 

Car. I will when in her charms 
I've reveled. Beauty like hers 
Should meet its compliment; a 
Poor one that which left it uncnjoyed. 

Man. But what 

Car. No more; thy words displease me. 
As soon could thou from yon bright heaven. 
Each orb displace, as move me 
From my fixed intent. 

The greatest fools have minds most wavering; 
Who would succeed must stand upon his purpose, 
As he who gains his point, 

(Be it good or bad,) receives the world's applause, 
And is the first 
To fortune and to fame. 



22 GAULAXfUS. [act II. 

Thy counsel 's good for nought; 

The Gauls had ne'er been vanquished 

Had I hearkened unto thee. 

Man. Nor our brave soldiers slain, 
Who might have lived in nobler 
Cause to die. 

Car. Thy meaning is obscure, 
I pray thee speak again. 

Man. Thy rashness urged them on 
Where glory waited not. 

Car. Villain, dar'st speak to me 
In terms like these? 

Man. I speak the truth; I mean thee no offence. 
The truth should never give offence. 

Car. Must I this endure? —'tis well, 
Old man, thy head is white with age, 
Or with this sword I 'd give thee 
Back the lie. 

Man. Your anger is my sport. The 
Mighty general who has armies conquered. 
Cannot command himself. 

Car. Leave me, dastard. 

Man. With joy I quit thy presence. 
Thy fellowship is not 
The worthiest to be found. 
But short my speech, forsooth. 
An hundred jav'lins pointed at my breast. 
Could not send back the truth. 



SCENE II.] GAULANTUS. 23 

When thou art in a better mood, I'll 
Come to thee again. 

{£xW.) 
Car. Officious fool! He' 11 some day- 
Strain his speech too far. But 
Of him no more. I'll straightway to 
My prisoner, and win her to my will. 
A virtue-talking dame— of true 
Patrician blood; but if she yields not. 
I but little know. 



{Exit.) 



SCENE 11.—^ JVood. 
Enter Baranicus and Alibdus. 

Bar. How many leagues, Alibdus, 
Have we come? 

Mib. Methinks 
It were some thirty. 

Bar. We have traveled fast. 

Alib. Think' St thou we now 
Can rest in safety? 

Bar. Let the base foe come on; 
Few as we are, our lives will cost them dear; 
For mine own part, this sword 
Shall never leave my hand while 
Nerve is left to grasp it: 
A soldier trained am I; a 
Soldier's death my meed shall be. 



24 GAULANTUS. {^ACT II. 

Mib. When on our abject state 
I do reflect; how driven, how cut off, 
My very soul doth sink, and I 
Am ready to despair. 

Bar. All, all is lost — no kinsmen 
Have I now, no country — home! 
Our nation humbled down — 
Deserted by the Gods — will 
Never rise again. Our name and cause forgotten. 
And in oblivion sunk. 
Ages unborn will hear and speak 
Of Rome, when on fair Gallia's soil 
Another nation stands. Hist'ry 
Will speak of feats by Rome achieved,' — 
Omitting Gaul, scarce knowing that she was; 
My country! O my country! 

{Enter Remancus.) 

Rem. Do I behold 
Baranicus? 

Bar. It is, — my friend, and 
Hast thou too escaped? 

Rem. The Gods be praised I live! 
Hundreds who fled for safety from the foe, 
Are hourly flocking back. 

Bar. Thou fiU'st my heart with hope. 

Alih. And mine. An army may we raise 
To try again the field. 

Rem. I have but little doubt. 



SCENE II.] GAULANTUS. 25 

Bar. I would a question ask, but 
Know not how. It is — itis — 
My brother! Doth he live? — . . 

Rem, Alas, I fear he fell! Amid 
The battle's storm I saw him 
Fiercely rush; and with 
O'erwhelming force the fight contend. 

Mib. He was our pillar and our stay. 

Bar. Lost, noble brother! my mother, too. 
Hast thou? — but no — I need not ask. 
O'er hill and precipice, through 
Roaring torrents, and o'er Alpine heights. 
Our women they pursued, and 
On their heads defenceless, wreaked 
Their horrid thirst for blood. 
Cursed be the name of Roman! 

Rem. O yield not to despair. We 're 
Strong enough to die revenged, 
If not enough to conquer, 

Bar._ Despair, saidst thou? Let abject cowards 
Yield, and tremble, and despair. 
My heart is firm. Come, let us on 
And join our friends once more; 
We all are men, and Gauls, brave 
As the Romans — as well skilled 
In arms. The sun shall shine 
Upon our warlike force — in 
Martial pomp behold us! 



26 GAULANTUS. [aCT II. 

Come! our watchword hence is 
Vengeance! 

AIL Vengeance! 

{Exeunt.) 

SCENE III. — Inside of Carmitus' tent — Le- 
oNiDA discovered on a couch. 

Leon. Sure this is woe's extreme— the height 
Of mortal grief. A slave, and in the 
Power^of one whose heart ne^er 
Throbbed with virtue's sacred glow. 

Power omnipotent— O virtue's God. 
Defend my wretched state; for sure 

1 reign supreme the queen 
Of sorrow's children. 

Resplendent orb of day, descending fast. 
Thy dying beam the hills with glorious 
Hue doth tinge. As brilliant 
As thou art, I have no wish 
To see thee more. But ha, 
The vile enslaver comes. A little longer 
O my heart! Kind death, my 
Honor's guardian soon will come! 
[Enter Carmitus.) 

Car. I come to ask thy pardon, gentle dame. 
And sue for gracious pity. 

Leon. Ask pardon not of me. Thy 
Captive I, my hate or love could 
Alter not thy will. 

Car. Within that breast, resentment sure 



SCENE 111.] GAULANTUS. 27 

Can never find a place. 

Then cheer thee, though my captive, 

Yet art thou really free. My camp, 

Howbeit, you can never leave, 

I love thee, girl, and will 

Thee high exalt. I '11 take thee, too, 

To Rome, and shovi^ thee splendor 

Thou had'st never seen. What 

Could'stthou find in Gaul? 

Leon. What splendor cannot give — a 
Peaceful, happy heart. 

Car. And could 'st thou find it not 
In Rome? 

Leon. No, — for there I lose the sweetest gift 
The Gods bestow. 

Car. What's that? 

Leon. Sweet liberty! Blest with 
My h^s])and and my child, I 
Knew not sorrow's weight. Those 
Twins of heaven, happiness and love. 
Ne'er left our humble home. With 
Cheerful face we hailed each opening day. 
And to the Gods poured forth our thanks. 
With happy, grateful hearts. But ah, 
The iron hand of war, at one fell swoop, 
Has blasted all our joys. And 
Black despair sits brooding o'er my heart. 

Car. No more of this, my patience thou 'It 
exhaust; 



28 GAULANTUS. [aCT II 

Thy tears cannot reanimate the dead, 
Nor restore thy country to its ancient glory. 
The tempest of thy stormy bosom calm, 
And seize the happiness thou canst obtain. 

Leon. In eternity alone. 

Car. While others of thy race in 
Galling chains are bound, thou 
Liv'st in luxury, and in the love 
Of him Avho thousands doth command. 
If thou art wise, thou 'It yield, 
Nor tempt my anger further. 

Leon. Give me the chains; bind up 
My limbs, till from my bones 
The kindred flesh be torn. Let 
The iron's ponderous weight quick 
Bear me down, till on the earth 
I sink to rise no more: 
Do that, or more — but 
Spare my honor. 

Car. The crimson stream that feeds my heart 
Is not more dear than thee. I 
Never w^oman loved till I thee saw. 
The conqueror of thy nation deigns 
To talk to thee of love. 

Leon. Thou hast unto my nation been 
A scourge. Thy devastating sword 
Hath robbed me of my country. 
Kinsmen, friends. Ah, Gods, 
Perhaps thy sword reeks with 



SCENE 111.3 GAULANTUS. 29 

My husband's blood. His groans, 
Perhaps, were music to thine ear. 
And must I hear thee speak of love? 
O horror! horror! here 's my naked 
Breast; strike deep thy gory weapon. 

Car. No, thou shalt not die so soon. 
The chains of bondage will better fit 
Thy form; famine thy sole companion; 
Gaunt hunger gnaw thy heart. The 
Only answer to thy groans and cries 
The echo of thy voice. 
Guards, what ho! {Calling.) 

Leon. Condemn me not to misery like this. 

Car. Thou wilt in madness thy 
Shoulders tear, and, with the worms. 
Feed on thy fleshless bones. 

Leon. Horror on horror multiply, still 
My soul, sustained by virtue, 
Dares defy their power. 

Car. With rage I strangle. Woman 
Tremble. 

Leon. At the red bolts of heaven 
Tremble thou. 

Car. What ho, guards! 

{Enter. Laticus with Guards.) 
Take hence this woman, and 
In chains secure her. 

{They seize her.) 

Leon. Roman! to die in virtue's cause 
3* 



30 GAULANTUS. [acT. II. 

Is triumph. For the sweet promise 
To the faithful given, makes death a 
Welcome friend,— the journey to the 
Land of shade — a sweet and 
Blissful dream! 

{Exit with Guards.) 

Car. Promises and threats, alike, 
Do fail to move her. Laticus— - 
What would thy thoughts suggest to 
Mould this stubborn fair one 
To my Avill? 

Ixtt. Ruling her fate, 
I 'd force her to my purpose. 

Car. I will do so, if other measures fail. 
But if Avith her good will she '11 yield, 
Why 'tis the better way. Go thou 
And talk with her; thy brain 
With eloquence is fraught, and may 
Her purpose change. If coaxing fails 
The chains must needs be tried. 
Succeed, and I '11 reward thee well. 
Anticipated joys shall buoy me up 
Until thou dost return. 

{Exeunt severalty-) 

END OF ACT n. 



ACT III. 

SCENE I.-..4 Wood. 
Enter Baranicus and Alibdus. 

Bar. Night draws her sable mantle on apace 
The sun has sunk to rest; soon 
Will it be the depth of darkness, and 
The hour when all the world 
Is hushed. By slow degrees, 
Solemn and sad, wide falling o'er the earth, 
The shades of night the dark wood 
Cover o'er, and deepen all its horrors. 
While humbled into rest, by darkness awed, 
Our weary soldiers seek repose from care. 
So let us wait, my friend, the 
Morning's dawn, ere we again set out. 

Mib. Come, let's some covert seek; 
The noisome dews of night are 
Falling fast, and chilling breezes 
Sigh aloft — the counterpart of that 
Dread night I lost my cherished wife. 

Bar. No more, no more, the human race, all 
— all. 
Are sons of sorrow born. Let 
Cowards sink beneath the load; 
The brave man ne'er repines. 

Mib. We cannot stop the current 
Of our thoughts. 



33 GATJLANTUS. [aCT HI. 

Bar. The cloud that o'er our fate 
Like total night did hang, 
Has faded into air; and balmy hope 
Before us brightly shines. 
Have Ave not from their bondage freed 
An hundred noble Gauls. That 
Is a triumph glorious and great, and 
Will loud thanks call forth. 
What desolation shall our 
Vengeance spread Avhen once again 
The embattled plain we tread. 
AUb. With vengeful shouts 
Our hosts will fill the air. 

Bar. Aye, — and the foe strike deep 
With horror; as though the Gods 
Had sent us from on high, 
The bolts of Jove to aid 
Our glorious cause. 

Mib. Ne'er be it said my heart 
With grief in fight did falter. 
No; the deep remembrance of my wrongs, 
The more shall it inspire. 

Bar. Eight. Now to our covert; 
At earliest dawn like Gauls 
We '11 take the field, the Romans 
Conquer, or like warriors die. 

[Exeunt.) 



SCENE II.] GAULANTUS. 33 

SCENE II. — Part of the Roman Camp. 
Enter Manilus. 

Man. Our mighty general dotli still 
His wretched captive press to yield 
Obedience to his brutal will. The camp. 
And all things else, but her, by him 's 
Forgotten; and yet she treats him 
With indignant scorn. He 
Has released her from her bonds, and 
To his tent removed her, there 
With soft blandislvments that would 
Degrade a frantic love-sick fool, he 
Speaks his hours away. I 'm glad 
She knows his worth. The generals 
Of the present day are not the men 
Of olden time;— mere boys, — much 
Better fitted to make love than fight. 
Had I my will, I 'd scour the camp 
Of such base loons, or learn them 
Else their duty. 

(JEnter Regantus, Cestus, and Arbiniis.) 

Ces. My worthy Manilus, 
We must for fight prepare. 

Man. What's now the matter? 

Ces. The Gauls in clusters throng the hills. 

3Ian. How 's this? Arbinius here? 

.^rb. Aye, but a little more and I~ 
Had not been here. Scarce had 



34 GAULANTUS. ACT III.] 

We gone a score of leagues, when legions 
Of the Gauls fell on our tired troops, 
And freed their captive friends. Thy 
Soldiers fled, and I alone with safety 
Reach'd the camp. 

Man. Hast thou, Carmitus told of tliis? 

Arb. I have. 

Man. What said he? 

Ces. That 'twas cowardice in us not 
Searching in the hills. But 
'Tis my faith that thousands 
There lie hid; for I myself have 
Countless numbers seen. 

Man. No doubt; but let Cai-mitus have his way. 
He will not be advised. Come, 
Let us to our several hosts, and 
See them well prepared; for 'tis 
Not unlike the baffled Gauls may 
Greet us with surprise. I say 
I like not making love in camp, 
No good will come of it. 
Come on. 

{Exeunt.) 

SCENE HI. — Scime as Act 1st, — Scene 2(1, — 
Cave, 4'f • Stage dark. — Gaulantus dis- 
covered seated on a rock. 

Gaul. Of all mankind sure I 
Most wretched am. No pitying eye 



SCENE III.] GAULANTUS. 35 

My sorrows views, no heart bleeds lor 
My woes. Yet will I murmur not. 
Meek patience, god-like griest, shall 
In my heart abide. Empires of 
Wealth could not my wife restore — 
My little boy again to life bring back. 
Remembrance brings to mind the day 
iVIy boy was born. My wife 
"With smiles told me the Gods 
Had bless'd us with a son. I 
Watched his stature grow, with 
All a father's joy. And now — 
Back, tears — back to your home — you 
Suit not well my cheek. I am 
Gaulantus still!— free as the lion 
In his kingly lair. That triumph 's 
Left me still; no Roman slave 
Am I — no master own! 

[Enter Baranicus and Alibdus, on bridge.) 
Bar. This way, my friend, the moon 
Will guide our steps. 

{They disappear.) 
Gaul. Heard I not a voice? 
I pray the Gods it be a Roman. 

[Goes up.) 

[Enter Baranicus and Alibdus.) 

Bar. This mountain hold 
Will serve us for the night. 

Jilib. I am myself quite weary. 



36 GAULANTUS. [aCT III, 

Gaid. What foot of man my kingdom 
Dare pollute? — 

Bar. Ha! who art thou? — 

Gaul. A Gaul! I thank the Gods! the 
Direst foe of Rome! 

Bar. The night is dark, I cannot see 
Thy face; yet thy voice 

Gaul. Ha! who speaks? — thy name 
Is 

Bar. Baranicus! 

Gaid. Baranicus! Gods! my brother! 

Bar. My brother! 

(They rush into each other'' s arms.) 

Gaul. Ha, ha, ha, my brother! 

Bar. I thought, Gaulantus, brother. 
Thou wert dead. 

Gaul. And I, that all were gone. I stood 
In mine own mind, the last, last limb ^^ 

Of the wither' d, blasted tree. .,- ^ 

Bar. Brother, thy face is haggard, and 
Thine eyes are sunk within 
Their orbs! While their strain'd "^' 
Cords do plainly show, the r . 

Moisture drain' d by woe. 

Gaul. My country's woes have truly 
Made me weep — but while I wept, 
I cursed! 

Bar. Alibdus, friend, 
Dost thou not share our joys? 



SCENE III.] GAULANTU8. 37 

Alib. I do, indeed! 

Gaul. Alibdus! what! — Thy hand 
Old warrior. Brother — 
Within these arms our mother died; 
To a sequestered vale, the mountains 
'Mong, I bore her from the field. 
I bathed her temples till returning life 
Beamed coldly from her eyes. 
She looked with tenderest love. 
Then ask'd for her younger born. 

Bar. Would I had been there. 

Gaul. I could no answer make; 
Grief clogg'd my utterance, my 
Tears ran fast, and tremors 
Seized my^ frame — she — she 
Died;— -I wept no more, but gazed 
Like one by grief made mad. 
Until the battle's din aroused me 
From my stupor. I paid the last 
Sad tribute to her worth, then 
Darted to the plain. O, Gods! 
What horror met my eyes! The field 
Was deluged with my people's blood — 
While dying groans, and frantic women's 
Shrieks, gave hellish music to 
The appalling scene. I saw 
My tents in flames; and I, 
On every side encircled, dash'd 
AVith the swiftness of the lightning's flash, 
4 



38 GAtTLANTTS. [aCT III. 

To where my tent did stand. 

At every stroke of this good sword 

A Roman measured on the ground 

His length. The tent I reach' d — 

I call'd my wife-— no answer came, 

I found my child 

Bar. Thou did'st? {Eagerly.) 

Gaul. But how! mangled, deform' d — 

His sparkling eyes from their pale sockets burst- 
ing,— 

His smiling face black with 

The curling smoke, — his 

Stark limbs fleshless — and 

His hair singed from his infant head. 

Within my embrace I caught 

His stiffened corse, the glaring 

Flames defied, and onward 

Rushed, through thickening 

Seas of blood. Triumphantly 

I reached this spot, and then 

Exclaimed — Still am I free — 

No master but the Gods! 

Bar. No more, my brother; yet will 

We live the tyrant foe to scourge. 

I myself was left upon the field 

For dead. Returning life 

Brought with it no new joys. 

Despairing Gauls poured out 

Their blood upon the field— 



SCENE UI.] GAULANTIJS. 39 

Exclaiming — All is lost! 
Yet number came on number, 
Till this day an hundred men 
We rescued from the foe. 

Gaul. Ye did? — But whither 
May they now be found? 

Bar. By this time safe in camp. 

Gaul. Camp! a camp? -— Are we 
Indeed so strong? 

Bar. Thousands are up in arms. 
Ready the field to take. 

Gaul. We are a nation still— 
The Gods be praised! 

Bar. We are, and yet will be 
In full revenged. 

Alih. They live but in the hope 
Of vengeance. 

Gaul. And they shall have it! 
By all the powers of earth, and 
Air and sea, we will be full 
Revenged. To Rome I swear 
Deep, everlasting hate! 

Bar. So do we all. 

Gaul. We 've nought to hope for but 
Revenge! We'll feed on that 
Until our hungry hearts be 
More than full. Farewell, 
My kingdom, for a time, I '11 
Visit you again; for in your 



40 GAULANTUS. [aCT III. 

Rocky heart my boy doth buried lie. 
Come, let us to the camp, my heart 
To bursting swells. Hear me,. 
Ye Gods! may your eternal home 
Be ever shut to me, if ever I 
A Roman give his life. Mercy 
Hath not a seat within my heart: 
If I but thought a single spark remained, 
I 'd instant cast it out. Come, let our 
Swords gleam high in air, -^ on — on,. 
Our cry, Revenge! 

ML Revenge! revengel 

[Exeunt.) 

END OF ACT III. 



ACT IV. 

SCENE I. — ^ mountainous country —^ Camp 
of the Gauls, Jire in the centre. The stage 
completely ' filled ivith soldiers — ivom en, 
children, <$-c. Remancus and Alibdus dis- 
covered. Gaulantus and Baranicus enter 
from back in full armor. A fiourish and 
distant shouts as they come on. 

ML Hail to Gaulantus — 
Noblest of the Gauls! 

Gaul. Soldiers! countrymen! Long 
To the horrors of the field 
Have you been all inured, — long 
Strangers have you been 
To peace and happy homes. 
Above our heads the rod of 
Bondage hangs. We 're of a race 
That scorn to live when liberty 
Is lost: for death appears 
Not in a dreary light when 
Chains are all our hopes. 

Ml. Victory or death! 

Gaul. Is there one here who would 
Not bleed with transport 
For his country? 

All. No, no; not one. (Shouts.) 

Gaul. Of this be sure, if we are conquered. 
Death will be our fate; or barring that, 
4* 



42 GATJLANTUS. [aCT IV. 

Eternal bondage, which is worse. 
Let it not be the last— the 
Blazing camp— the gaping earth-— 
The overwhelming flood— 
Are nobler far, and easier to endure. 
Than Roman slavery. 

Bar. The hour of retribution 's drawing nigh; 
Before ye all I swear never to 
Know repose, until these eyes 
Are closed beneath the laurel 
Shade of death's dark covert. 

Mih. Though host on host oppose. 
We still shall die revenged. 

Bar. Could we surprise them in 
Their sleep, terror would so 
Their waking faces clad, that, 
Like a whirlwind's thundering gust, 
We should o'erturn them all. 

Gaul. Behold the charioteer of day. 
Proudly appearing above yonder hill. 
The crisis of our nation's fate now 
Hurries on apace. Ye 
Whose hearts throb but for your rights. 
Be firm; repress vain boasts; rather 
Expect defeat than to be over sure. 
Not thence to fear, but to attune 
Your spirits for the time, if 
Fate should bid it come. 
And this of all remember, — we 



SCENE n.] GAXTtrNTrs. 43 

No conqueror kno^ but death. 
Now sound the battle cry, and 
Let ua on, to hurl defiance 
In the tyrant's face. 

{Flourish — Exeunt.) 

SCENE 11.—.^ Landscape. 

Enter GAULANTtrs, Baranicits and Alibdus. 

Gaul. Go thou, Alibdus, and the army 
Quick arrange; arouse their sleeping mettle. 
And the march begin. The Roman camp 
We soon again will reach. 

Alih. I will. 

{Exit.) 

Bar. Brother, from childhood, we 
Have little known of peace. 

Gaul. True; the broils of years 
Have to a soldier's life inured us. 
Although prepared, I fear 
The coming battle will us overthrow. 
Their force in number more than ours 
Treble; but at their power we '11 laugh, 
And die at last reveng'd. 
The sun of joy to us is overcast, 
His shining face in clouds of sorrow 's hid; 
Yet our bold deeds shall 
Far o'erleap the bounds of praise. 

Bar. Alas! we trembling stand 
Upon the brink of fate, the crisis 



44 GATJLANTUS. [^ACT IV. 

Of our joys is drawing nigh, and 
Time will soon decide. 

Gaul. Yon mount, which stands between the 
Foe and us, will iServe us in the fight: 
Go, brother, take the strongest force, 
And with Remancus gaily hurry on, 
On the left brow of the hill; I, 
With Alibdus, will take the right; so 
Now, to bid farewell. 

Bar. Farewell; O be it not forever. 

Gaul. Amen! If it be not the Gods' high will. 

[Enter Remancus.) 
Rem. The army full prepared 
Await your orders for the march. 
Bar. We are prepared. 
Gaul. Let every soldier in the ranks 
Bethink himself a hero; swell 
Each big thought, and strengthen 
Every nerve. 

Bar. They look as brave men should. 
Throughout the camp, in groups 
The soldiers sit; and as of war 
They speak, and noble deeds, 
Done by some valorous Gaul in 
Days of yore, they burnish up 
Their armor, and wave 
Their trusty swords. 

Gaul. 'T is well. Who whet their swords 
For battle, whet their souls: 



SCENE in.] GAULANtUS. 45 

{Trumpets without.) 
Hark! the battle-harbinger's shrill blast. 
Calls to their post Mars' great and 
Daring sons. Brother, farewell! 
Remancus, thou attend him. 
My heart throbs for the action — once again. 
Farewell! 

Bar. Brother! 

{They embrace. Flourish.) 
Gaul. Farewell! 

{Exeunt.) 

SCENE III. — Carmitus' Tent. 
Carmitus and Leonida discovered. 

Car. Thou art the day-star of my hopes, 
My thoughts, desires. This breast is 
But the instrument, whose sounds, 
As best befits thy will, are 
High or low. Thy breast is 
Filled -^^ — 

Leon, With misery and despair. No 
Light on earth can ever chase 
It hence. Restore me to 
Mv chains, and that lone solitude. 
Thou late hast ta'en me from; for there 
My soul at least was free! and 
There I held sweet converse 
With the Gods. 

Car. If I a moment did thy charms forget. 



■46 GAtTLANTUS. [aCT IV. 

Thy gracious pardon I most humbly ask. 

Here, at thy feet, most lowly bending, 

Repenting rashness cries forgive. 

I thus degrade me in mine own esteem, 

To hold a place in thine. 

What can more clearly prove. 

The full dominion thou hast o'er my soul? 

Thy image fair is graven on my heart, 

And on thy lips my very doom doth hang. 

Leon. This is a ten-fold bondage. 

{Half aside.) 
I am thy slave; forbear thy words; 
E'en were my heart from misery free, I 
Could not love the man whose arm 
Hath plung'd by country into woe. 
Thou might'st as well attempt to 
Make this flesh, thy chains have 
Bruised, impassive. Waste not, then, 
Thoughts on what thou never canst 
Obtain. Unsullied have I lived — • 
Unsullied will I die. 

Car. Beware how you a blazing fire fan: 
I can by violence efllect my purpose. 
And after give thee death, since it 
Thou covet'st. In power I am omnipotent. 
The proud commander of a conquering army. 

Leon. And yet art not a man. The 
Virtue 's wanting that sustains the name. 
None but a dastard of degenerate birth, 



SCENE III.] GAULANTUS. 47 

Would triumph o'er a wretched hapless woman. 

Car. Wilt thou mock me then? 

Leon. No; but do implore thee to 
Forbear a theme that makes me wretched, 
And doth thee degrade. 

Car. By all the powers of heaven and earth 
combined, 
I swear, thou shalt be mine! 

(Seizes her.) 
Mine, mine, I say. Soft tones, avaunt! 
Harsh words and deeds alone — come — 
Come [Forcing her.) 

Leon. Mercy! mercy! From thee 
I ask it not, but from the Gods 
Implore it. Unloose me, ruffian, 
Or with my hands I '11 tear my flesh — 
[Shouts without — the Gauls'— the Gauls. Le- 

ONiDA falls on her knees.) 
My prayer is heard. 

(Carmitus stands transfixed for a moment.— 
Enter Cestus.) 

Ces. The Gauls in thousands swarm 
Upon our front and rear. 

Car. Slave! then fight 'em; nor 
Statue-like stand thus with fear. 

Dash on 

[The clashing of arms and shouts ivithout.) 
On, Romans, on! 

[Exit Carmitus and CESTrs.) 



48 GAULANTUS. [aCT IV. 

( The alarm continues. Leonida gazes eagerly.) 

Leon. The battle rages fierce on every side, 
And towards the hill they move. 
The Gods be with thee, Gauls. Deep, 
Deep, revenge your wrongs. Ha! 
What form is that now this way 
Madly rushing? It is — it is 

[Enter Gaclantus and Gauls.) 

Gaul. [Speaking as he enters.) Burn their 
tents: 
On, on: Vengeance is the cry! 

Leon. It is — it is Gaulantus! 

Gaul. Leonida! 

Leon. Gaulantus! 

Gaul. My wife! my wife! 
(Leonida, -it'iVA a shriek of joy, rushes into his 
arms.) 

Gaul. And art thou safe? alive! alive! 
Ye Gods, my thanks accept. My wife 
Is mine again! 

Leon. O joy! I hardly dared believe 
Thou lived. 

Gaul. Yes, Leonida; still forever thine. 
Our brother, too, is left us. We '11 
Yet be happy 'mid our native hills. 

Leon. I 'm mad with joy— -with joy alone. 
Sorrows too hard for Avoman-kind I 've borne, 
O, I could tell thee — but I will not 
Cloud with ill-timed woe. 



SCENE III.] OAXJLANTUS. 4J^ 

The prospect of our joys. 

(S/wuts without and trumpets.) 
GauL I must away, dear love; the 
Battle 's at its. height, 

(Enter Alibdus.) 

^lib. Number on number of the Romans pour: 
Our soldiers fly the field. 

GaiiL Secure my wife, and to tlie mountains 
Bear her. 

£lib. Thy wife? 

Gaul. Away, away; no questions ask. 
The Gods protect thee, Leonida — wife. 

Leon. O leave me not again, my husband— 
Friend! 

Gaul. Thy life — mine-— all "^ all 
Upon a thread doth hang. 
Go — go. 

Leon. I am content. Farewell! 
Angels watch o'er thee, and 
Thy life protect. 

Gaul. Turn you this way, and take 
The swiftest steed. Away, Alibdus, 
I will meet thee soon. 

[Exeunt Alibdus and Leonida.) 

Gaul. Rage on, ye much wrong'd Gauls, and 
At one sweep the brutal foe o'erwhelm. 
[He is rushing off, when Arbinius confronts him. 
They come to a guard.) 

Gaul, Vain boy! dost dare confront mel 



50 GAULANTUS. [aCT IV^ 

Arb. Aye, savage. 
(Gatjlantus disarms him and then kills him,.) 
Gaul. Thou hast thy journey ended. 
{Enter Carmitus, Cestus, Regantus and Lat- 

ICUS.) 

Car. Surround him— beat him down. 
Gaul. (Brandishing sword.) Let liost on host 
Oppose, I still will bear me on. 
Why stand ye, quaking there? 
Thou 'rt two to one, thrice told, and yet 
Ye fearful pause. 

[Shouts without.); 
Car. Dastards! have you to statues turn'd,, 
That thus you idly gaze! 
Your general dares to meet' — to conquer, 
Or to die. 

[Makes a pass at Gatjlantus who knocks the 
sword from his hand, and places his foot 
upon it.) 
Gaul. Ha, ha, ha; thou art a child. 
Roman! the hour of retribution 's 
Drawing nigh. My every sinew 
Swells with more than lion's strength. 
One blow would take thy puny life, 
But I disdain to strike. 

[Shouts without.) 
Ha! cries of vengeance fill the air; 
Fight, Gauls, I 'm with thee still. 
[Rushing off, he is opposed by Cestus and Re- 
gantus. He cuts them down, and rushes 
off. 



SCENE IV. 3 OAULANTUS. 51 

Car. Cowards! miscreants! on — on—pursue. 

{Exeunt.) 

SCENE l\.— The outskirts of the Camp. 
The alarm kept up. E)iter Carmitus and Man- 

ILUS. 

Car. Like savage fiends they fight; our 
Soldiers strew the field, and 
Every heart turns weak. 

Man. What better could'st expect; I 've 
Warned thee oft, but 
What to thee is counsel? 

Car. Cease thy complaints; 'tis useless as 
Ill-timed. 

Man. Yes! the foe have ill-timed come. 
We had been lower than we are, 
Had I not marr'd thy orders. 

Car. No more, or I '11 

Man. Strike! thou would'st say; 
Do, if thou wilt; yet will I speak 
While I can use my tongue. I 
Saved thy life just now — take mine; 
^T will be a good return. 

Car. No more; upon a sea tempestuous 
Am I wreck'd. Trouble on trouble 
Comes, and no alleviation. 

{Enter Cestcs.) 
Ces. The Gauls have ta'en possession 
Of the hill. 



d& GAtlLANTtfS. [^ACT IV. 

Car. Then drive them off; lead aB 
The force at once: desert the camp, 
And desperate on them rush. 

{Exit Cestxts.) 
Go, too, good Manilus. O, I am sick at heart! 

Man. A sorry time is this for generals 
To grow sick. 

(Exit.) 
Car. On every side harrassed, I 
Know not how to turn. 

(Shouts. Enter Baranicus, speaking.) 
Bar. Onward, my comrades, on. Ha!. 

(Seeing Carmitus.) 
Roman, yield! or to the earth be cleft! 
Car. Never let noble Roman yield. 
To dastard savage Gaul. 

(They fight; the din of battle continues; Ba- 
RANicus throws him down, and is about 
striking, when Cestus, Maniltts, Regan- 
Tus, <^c., enter, seize him and beat him to 
the ground. 

END OF ACT IV, 



ACT V. 

SCENE I. -^ The Roman Camp. 

Soldiers discovered with banners, 4"c. Flourish. 
Enter Carmitus, Manilus, Regantus, Lat- 
icus, and soldiers. 

Car. Have the dead been all enearthed good 
Manilus? 

Man. They have. 

Car. We have a victory, though a bloc^dy one: 
The Gods be praised they are at 
Last suppressed. 

Man. No, in that thou 'rt wrong; they 
Are not yet subdued. More 
Fighting yet we '11 have ere 
That takes place. 

Car. A skirmish then at most; 
An hundred men could scarce be found 
To marshal on the plain. 

Ma7i. An hundred six times told. 
And then the count is underrated. 

Car. Regantus, take a thousand men, 
And search ten leagues around; 
Spare none, but all destroy 
Who willing prisoners will not become. 

Reg. I shall obey. 

{Exit.) 

Car. Laticus, five hundred horsemen take, 
And speed around the camp. 

{Exit Laticus.) 



54 GAULANTUS. [aCT V. 

Car. Two days or more, upon the brink of 
death, 
I 've idly gaping stood. 

Man: What! be a soldier, and that not expect? 

Car. A sinewy man was he, who 
Last I did encounter. 

Man. Aye, marry, was he, and would 
Have laid thee low, but for our 
Timely aid. 

Car. Humph! The shackles on his limb 
He bore with dignity majestic. 
But, Manilus, was the prisoner ta'en 
Who bore away my slave? 

Man. Aye, and the woman now 
Within thy tent awaits. 

Car. I '11 instant to her, and if my love 
She dares resist, I '11 force her to my will. 
{Enter Cestus.) 

Ces. The captived woman, and the 
Warrior Gaul, are both from 
Thraldom fled. 

Car. My curses on you! 
For this base neglect. 

Ces. Why should they? I 
Was not her guard. 

Man. Pooh, let her go; in Rome there 
May beifound;woHaj6n foir as.she. 

Car. Dastard, idiot, fool! 



gCEKE II.] GADtANTUS. 55 

Man. I may be these; but yet am I 
^ soldier— -not a love-sick girl. 

Car, Then die; thou meddling fool, 

[Stabs him.) 
Thou 'It wag thy tongue no more. 

Man. Thou hast struck home; now 
Triumph, mighty general, and 
Boast my death. 

Car. I was too rash I do confess. 

Man. Thou dost at last confess. I know 
I well advised thee. I 'm of it 
Really glad. I 've got my furlough; 
'Tis all over now. Farewell, Carmitus, 

— — my advice was — oh, oh, oh 

(nies.) 
Car. What have I done? I 'm sick to death. 
This act was rash, and will 
My name disgrace. Manilus, too. 
Was well beloved; thouglj rough, he 
Was most honest. I would 

1 could recall him, but it is 
Too late. I must forget it, 

And in sleep my troubled thoughts 

Compose. 

. (JSxit.) 

SCENE 11.—^ TVood. 
Enter Baranicus, wounded, with Leonida. 
Bar. We are safe, my sister, from 
Their power safe. 



56 GAULANTUS. [aCT V. 

Leon. Oh, Baranicus! thy wounds I fear 
Do give thee pain to move. 

Bar. No, no; think not of that; thou 'rt free, 
And they that tear thee from me now. 
Must more than mortal be. 

Leon. Where can my husband be? 

Bar. Doubtless in fight. His eager soul 
No power can overcome. 

Leon. And are we quite o'erpowered — 
Completely beaten; and is our 
Race extinct? 

Bar. But few do live to tell the 
Awful fate their comrades met. 

Leon. O days of anguish and of woe! 

Bar. They fell not uni'evenged; in 
Mangled heaps the Romans lie, 
All o'er the crimsoned plain. 
I 'm human, but my heart 
Did gladden to see them gasp 
In death. O that pang! 

Leon. Brother, thy cheek is pale; 
Thine eyes look dizzy. 

Bar. I feel I 'm going, let us on; 
The torch of life expires within. 
My brother! O, once 'again 
Let me behold him. Sister, 
Fear not, I am able even yet 
To bear thee safe, and to his 
Arms consign thee. 



SCENE III.] GAULANTUS. 57 

Leon. Lean on me. 
Bar. Thou art a woman, and sliould 
Need my aid. 

{Exeunt.) 

SCENE III. — Cave and rocks as before. 

Gaclantus discovered lying on the stage ex- 
hausted — Alibdcs kneeling over him. 

Alib. Gaulantiis, my friend, my gencraU 
Arouse! Alas! he heeds me not. 
Despair has quite unnerved his heart. 
Fatigue his body wearied. 
Fiercely he fought, and madly rush'd 
Where danger was most great. 
When all had fled, he stood alone 
• Stemming the battle's torrent. 
But those gallant limbs that 
Stoutly buoyed him up in battle contest 
Have failed him, for he mourns his 
Captured wife. Ha! he revives. 
Gaulantus, friend, awake and 
Rouse thee man! 

Gaul. Cowards! dare not fly! 
The thunder of my wrath shall 
On you fall with tenfold vengeance. 
Look there — within his villain arms 
The tyrant clasps my wife; her 
Face with gore is smeared, and 



68 GAULANTITS. £aCT V. 

With black horror stands she there 
Convulsed. Unloose these chains, 
And let me ^asp my falchion; 
With Herculean strength I '11 fell 
The tyrant dead. 

(Springs upon his feet.) 
The air is dark with smoke, — Baranicus, 
On, on; bring up the horsemen, and 
Alibdus thou, the bowmen straight 

Lead on. Surround — cut off — 

Spare none, but strike — ha — ha — ha. 

(Falls into the arms of Alibdus.) 

^^lih. Gaulantus, be composed; the 
Battle 's past. 

Gaul. And we were beat. The 
Very Gods did fight for Rome. 

Alib. From thy pale cheek the color flies. 

Gaul. Dark was the rnorningof this day, 
How will it end? In something 
More than night. There should be 
Yawning earthquakes to engulf 
Creation, for men have lost their 
Natures, and like beasts, 
Each other do denounce. 
And he whose hand 's with blood 
The deepest dyed, is in the 
General eye the first and greatest; 
The bellowing rabble call him brave. 
And to him bend the knee.. 



Scene hi. J gaulantus. 59 

Most fulsome degradation! The 
Just man scorns, and views with pity. 
I 've drank of blood until 
My shuddering lieart doth sink within me. 
My race is almost run, — I 've 
Lived enough, and in the conflict 
Would have died, but for my wife. 
Whom I so long to meet. I almost 
Thought she waited my approach. 

Mib. Scarce had we come a league 
When twenty horsemen on us rushed 
And bore her from my care. 

Gaul. What! did not destroy her life? 

Mib. Nay, they harmed her noi, but 
Bore her hence alive. 

Gaul. Alive, and in their power! 
Avenging Gods, give me your lightning's 
Speed. How many leagues from here 
Doth lie the Roman camp? 

Mib. But few; yon hill alone 
Divides us. 

Gaul. Farewell, Alibdus! 

Mib. Where wouldst thou go? 

Gaul. To the camp, to die 
With Leonida! {Looking off.) 

Ha! what 's that? look there — 
My eyes sure cannot mock me! 
Now, nearer — look, Alibdus, 
See' St thou not my wife? 



60 GAULANTUS. [aCT V. 

Alib. Aye, and thy brother. 
Gaul. My brother, bleeds he not? 

(Baranicus enters, hearing Leonida; he gives 
her to Gaulantus and falls.) 

Leon. My husband! my Gaulantus! 

Bar. Brother! receive thy wife — I — !• — 
Am-^am — free as I lived — I — 
Die. {Dies.) 

Gaul. He 's gone! A nobler Gaul 
Ne'er trod the earth. 
Look, Leonida, how he 
Smiles in death. 

Leon. His spiritseemed to v/hisper, 'follow me.' 
The journey 's short, but O, terrific! 
The bravest cannot look on death 
Without a secret dread. And I^^ 
The Romans are in hot pursuit 
Beyond the distant hill. Let 's haste, 
Or in their hated power we '11 fall. 

Gaul. Laugh at their power! thy 
Husband 's with thee now. Alibdus, 
Look from yonder summit, and 
Speak of what thou se'est. 

{Exit Alibdus.) 
I ne'er saw death so placid. Thou 
Wert a kind, good brother, and a 
Valued friend! Farewell? — 
Come, Leonida, I '11 lead thee 
To the spot where rests 



SCENE IV.] GAULANTUS. 61 

Our little boy. 'Tis but a step, 
Come, come. 

Leon. My child! my heart doth bleed. 

Gaul. Weep not, but come. With 
Mine own hands his little grave 
I dug; kissed his cold cheek, 
And gave him to the Gods. 

Leon. Lead on — lead on; my child — 
Ye Gods look pity. 

Gaul. Come then: brother, I '11 
Come to thee again! 

[Exeunt.) 

SCENE IV.— ^ Wood. Flourish. 
Enter Carmitus and Laticus with soldiers. 

Car. Laticus, hast thou cohorts 
In each direction sent? 

Lat. I have. 

Car. The woman and the Gaul, 
Have they yet been o'erta'en? 

Lat. No! 

Car. Why did I spare her recreant life? 
But she shall yet be mine. 
Still does thy death, O! Manilus, 
Haunt my soul. With maddening 
Thoughts my brain is racked. 
My heart throbs high, and ill 's 
On every side foreboding. 



62 GADI-ANTtrS. [act V. 

{Enter Regantus.) 

Reg. We have another Gaul secured. 

Car. Let him this instant die. 

Reg. He felled two soldiers to the earth, 
Ere we could get his sword. 

Car. Is he so bold? I '11 look at him. 
Bring forth four horses, and 
His heathen limbs disjoint. Come on. 

[Flourish.-^-Exeunt.) 

SCENE V.' — A mountainous country. Gau- 
LANTUs arid Leonida discovered on the 
rocks. They stand looking for some time; 
Gattlantus exclaims: 

Gaul. He has sunk from my sight; farewell, 
A long farewell, my brother and my friend. 

{Comes down.) 
Our labors we have finished here 
On earth, and now for worlds unknown; 
These tenements of clay, we cannot 
With us bear, but needs must leave 
Them here. Why art so pale? 
Does death not bring thee joy? Come, 
Cheer thee, love, and smile as thou 
Wert wont. 

{She falls on Ms neck.) 
The hills around with million foes are crowded; 
Encircled 's the lone rock on which we stand. 
The wild and angry billows near us. 



SCENE v.] OAULANTU9. 93 

And o'er our head8 devoted, storm-clouds 
Hang. Thou fearest not death? 

Leon. Alas! the means 's more dreadful 
Than the death. To die by mine 
Own hand would anger heaven. 

Gaul. The Gods are juat. 'Tis glory 
By our own hands to die. Our 
Fathers' boast; they ne'er would yield 
And live. What would' st thou live for? 
There is nothing now. The myriads 
Of stars that spangle yonder heaven. 
Thou oft hast seen before. The 
Queen of night, whose radiant beam 
The earth illumes, is now 
Just as it ever was. The 
Lightning's flash would only dim 
Thy sight; the rolling thunder cloud 
Thine ear appal. Then bid 
Them all farewell.— the spacious globe. 
The mighty hills, the wide-spread lakes, 
The garnished fields and the 
Gentle gliding streams! They 
All are dear, loved, beautiful! 
All hard to leave; because 
They 're to our nature suited; 
Yet in that other world — the 
World the Gods inhabit — (our 
Nature changing,) these all 
Will prove but dross. Then 



64 GAULANTUS. [aCT V. 

Let us haste our journey to begin. {Pause.) 

Would'st thou prefer to die 
By Roman hands? 

Leon. O! no, no, no; from thine. 
My husband, thine! 

Gaul. I could not kill thee, mine 
Hand would tremble; take 
Thou the sword. 

Leon. Indeed I cannot; my blood 
Doth chill when I but 
Think of it. 

Gaul. Thou dost remember our early days^ 
Those happy days, when at our board 
Our smiling kinsmen met; when 
Peace and plenty were our 
Mansion's guests; and when 
Our little boy our hearts made glad. 

Leon. Happy, thrice happy days! 
The summit of terrestrial joys 
We trod, but now 
The Gods have cursed 

Gaul. Foi'bear! 't is not for clay like us 
To question heaven! Before us 
Gathers fast a deep'ning gloom, — 
Our sole remaining hope is death — 
Kind death — that sweet sleep which 
Wakes no more! The cloud 
Each moment thickens; no anchor 
'Gainst this storm of earth-born ills 



aCBNK v.] aAULANTUS. 65 

Can hold. Here is our friend; {Draws sword.) 

Welcome it to thy heart. Dost 

Understand me, love? Start not, 

These arms will bear thee up. 

Until thy angel spirit takes its flight! 

Leon. My heart! Give me the steel! — 

Gaul. One last embrace, my love, my joy. 
My wife. {Embraces her.) 

Leon. {Drops the stvord.) I do not 
Need the sword. I feel death's 
Thrilling fangs upon me now; 
With arms together clasped, let 's 
To the studded sky ascend. 
There feuds we '11 know no more, 
But bliss forever feel. My mother 
And my child both wave me on; — 
Sweet zephyrs round me play. 
And heaven-born anthems greet 
Mine ear! I come -^ I come -^ I — 
(./? trumpet sounds at a distance; they stand 
awed a moment.) 

Gaul. The blood-thirst wolves approach; 
We must be brief. {Picks up sword.) 

Leon. Hold thou the sword, and I 
Will on it rush. 
, Gaul. I will, I will— one last embrace. 

{Kisses her.) 
Leon. Now, now, my husband. 

(Gaulantus holds out hi9 fword, bis head half 
turned.) 
6* 



66 GAULANTUS. [aCT V. 

Leon, I tremble— Gods! — I cannot! 
Gaul. They come; look there; 
Death or slavery! 

(•/? trumpet without, she rushes on the sword; 
shrieks, and/alls.) 

Glorious! bravely! nobly done! 
The Gods applaud the deed! 
Ha, ha, ha; safe be thy journey, 
Sweetest love! 

Leon. I feel no pain; death steals upon me 
Like a slumbering dream. All, all 
Is past — adieu, adieu. (^Dies.) 

Gaul. Cold, breathless, dead! happy Leonida! 
The Gods thy spirit's guardian be. 
And now, ye Roman dogs, come on, 
Ye hungry vultures, come. Your 
Numbers awe not, and your 
Power 's disdained. 

{Trumpet.) 
Come on I '11 greet j'ou with a curse. 

[Enter Carmitus, Regantus, Laticus and 

Soldiers.) 

Car. What art thou? 

Gaul. A Gaul! thou feeble shadow of 
A man! The fairest of my race 
Died on this sword, which soon 
Thy doom will seal. See 
Where she lies in tranquil sleep! 



SCENE v.] GAULANTUS. 67 

Car. It is the same — the self-same 

Slave that 

Gaul. Liar accursed! she' s free! 

(^Pointing to heaven.) 
Car. Insolent wretch! Upon him, 
Soldiers! 
(Gaulantus rushes at the soldiers, who at first 

fall back.) 
Kill him! 

(They all spring upon him and disarm him; he 
then rushes at Carmitus, who is on the 
extreme left, and seizes him by the throat: 
Carmitus stabs him; they fall together, 
Gaulantus still grasping him.) 

Reg. Unloose thy hold! 

Gaul. Never! — never! 
(Regantus and Laticus both stab him, endeav- 
oring to make him free Carmitus. Gau- 
lantus chokes him.) 

I am the victor! aye, 
Revenged in full. See how 
He gasps in death! Behold 
Your general — see him writhe, 
He struggles — ha! he 'd live — 
But no, no — he sinks — he dies! 

(Carmitus dies.) 
I — I — am going too! Death — 

Death, conquers me — but I — I 

Conquered thee! My wife — 

My wife — I follow thee! (Dies.) 



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